If This Be Magic: Shakespeare in Translation with Daniel Hahn

What does it mean to translate Shakespeare? When the poetry, wordplay, syntax — even the words themselves — must change, is it still Shakespeare? And, perhaps more importantly, is it still good?

Drawing on examples from across Shakespeare’s works and from languages around the world, Hahn reveals the extraordinary craft of translation and the power of words themselves. 

As a special treat, Daniel will be joined on stage by guest readers for live performances of Shakespeare in translation, showcasing the plays and poems as they resonate across cultures and tongues.

A compelling and essential event for anyone who loves words, language, and storytelling.

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Daniel Hahn is an award-winning translator, author and editor of numerous fiction and non-fiction works.

He is one of the editors of The Ultimate Book Guide, the first volume of which won the Blue Peter Book Award. Other titles include Catching Fire: A Translation Diary and a new edition of The Oxford Companion to Children’s Literature. He has been a judge for prestigious international prizes including the International Booker Prize, the IMPAC Dublin Award and the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. He was previously chair of the Society of Authors and on the board of trustees for English PEN.